At Southerlands, we take dessert seriously, and we’re excited to share our favorite spots with you. Indulge in everything from classic pastries like croissants and tarts, to decadent chocolate cakes and macarons.
This guide has got you covered with the best confectionaries in town, from donuts to ice cream to cupcakes, you won’t want to miss out on any of these sweet treats.
20. Bananarchy
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious treat in Austin, look no further than Bananarchy.
This food truck offers frozen bananas coated in your choice of chocolate, peanut butter, or vanilla dip and rolled in a variety of toppings.
One of their most popular options is the Texas Two-Step, which features a chocolate-dipped banana topped with pecans, toffee, cinnamon, and a peanut butter drizzle.
It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot Texas day. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Austin food truck experience.
19. Hayley Cakes & Cookies
If you’re a fan of beautifully decorated cookies, you’ll love Hayley Cakes & Cookies.
You don’t have to live in Austin to enjoy their delicious treats, as they offer shipping options.
However, if you’re in the area, be sure to check out their location near Lake Travis.
Their sugar cookies are a must-try and are just as delicious as they are visually stunning.
18. Gourdoughs
If you’re in the mood for some indulgent and over-the-top donuts, Gourdough’s is the place to go.
This food truck and brick & mortar business in Austin offers some of the most insane and enormous donuts you’ll ever see in your life.
Their Granny’s Pie donut, topped with caramel, pecans, bananas, and graham cracker, is a favorite among customers.
However, if you’re looking for something simple and sweet, the Naughty & Nice donut, topped with sugar and cinnamon, is a good option.
Gourdough’s is a great dessert spot if you’re in the mood for something completely glutenous and indulgent.
17. Little Lucy’s
If you’re a fan of mini donuts, you can’t miss out on Little Lucy’s. Located in downtown Austin on Rainey Street, this spot offers light and fluffy hot mini donuts that are hard to resist.
With a variety of inventive flavors, you’ll want to try them all, but we recommend starting with the cinnamon sugar donuts topped with caramel or chocolate dipping sauce on the side.
Don’t make the mistake of sharing – you’ll want these all to yourself!
16. Cold Cookie Co
At Cold Cookie Co, you don’t have to choose between homemade cookies and ice cream.
The perfect duo is available in the form of their famous Unshake – a deconstructed milkshake with alternating layers of ice cream and toppings.
While you can keep things simple with a scoop of ice cream and a cookie, the Unshake is the most popular way to go.
With both the cookies and ice cream holding their own, the Unshake is the perfect combination of the two. It’s no wonder why everyone who frequents Cold Cookie Co loves it!
15. Upper Crust Bakery
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, you need to try the one at Upper Crust Bakery. This sweet treat is not your ordinary cinnamon roll, but it’s still just as delicious.
The cinnamon roll is made up of endless layers of dough and sugar, giving it a soft and crunchy texture.
Unlike most cinnamon rolls, this one doesn’t need any frosting to make it taste great. It’s perfect on its own.
Upper Crust Bakery is known for making some of the best desserts in Austin, and their cinnamon roll is definitely one of them.
It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
14. Amy’s Ice Creams
You cannot visit Amy’s Ice Creams and not try their Mexican Vanilla flavor. It is one of their most popular flavors and for a good reason.
The ice cream has a rich and creamy texture with a hint of cinnamon and a sweet vanilla flavor that is simply irresistible.
You can enjoy it on its own or add some toppings and sauces for a more indulgent treat. Make sure to include a splash of hot fudge to take it to the next level.
13. Little Deli
If you’re looking for a delicious gluten-free dessert option, look no further than Little Deli’s Chewy Chocolate Cookie.
Soft and chewy in texture with a rich chocolate flavor, this cookie is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Whether you’re already a fan of Little Deli’s sandwiches and pizza or just looking for a new dessert spot, this cookie is sure to satisfy.
And with the added bonus of being gluten-free, it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
12. Capital City Bakery
If you’re a dessert lover in Austin, you cannot miss the chance to try the Confetti Cupcake at Capital City Bakery. Even if you’re not a vegan, this cupcake is a must-try.
The bakery offers a wide range of delicious baked goods, including homemade pop tarts, cookies, and cupcakes.
The Confetti Cupcake is particularly irresistible with its moist and delicious interior. Don’t be fooled by its vegan label; this cupcake is just as tasty as any non-vegan dessert.
11. La Patisserie
If you’re craving something sweet and unique, La Patisserie is the place to go. This French bakery, owned and operated by pastry chef Soraiya Nagree, offers an array of pastries, including macarons, almond croissants, and morning buns.
However, the standout creation is the crobrio, a combination of croissant and brioche donut. One bite of this delectable treat will leave you wanting more.
Don’t miss out on this must-try dessert when in Austin.
10. Tiny Boxwoods
If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies, then you must try the ones from Tiny Boxwoods.
This Houston-based restaurant serves up delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but their warm and classic chocolate chip cookies steal the show.
What makes them even better is that they’re baked fresh every 20 minutes, ensuring that you always get a warm and gooey cookie.
You can even see a new pan of cookies being carried to the baked goods display while you place your order.
Whether you enjoy them in-house or take a few home to share, these cookies are a definite must-try.
9. Churro Co
If you’re a fan of churros, then Churro Co. is the place to be! This Austin-based trailer serves up freshly made churros with a variety of toppings to create unique churro creations.
While their traditional churros are delicious, the Campfire churro is a must-try.
Coated in graham cracker sugar and topped with Mexican chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and torched marshmallows, this churro is a heavenly treat for your taste buds.
Don’t miss out on this mouth-watering dessert when you visit Churro Co.!
8. Tiny Pies
If you’re a fan of pie, you’ll definitely want to check out Tiny Pies in Austin.
Despite their small size, these pies are made from scratch with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible flavor.
The miniature size is perfect for a variety of occasions, from a special gift to a personal dessert.
The menu at Tiny Pies is always changing, but some of the flavors that stand out include sweet potato pecan, sweet Texas pecan, and apple.
Whether you’re looking for a unique treat or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Tiny Pies is definitely worth a visit.
7. Gelateria Gemelli
If you’re a fan of gelato, you won’t want to miss out on Gelateria Gemelli in Austin. This authentic Italian gelato spot is owned by Andrew Sabola, who has truly perfected the craft.
With a variety of flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love.
Our top picks are the dark chocolate and olive oil flavors. Give them a try and taste the difference for yourself.
6. Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
When it comes to cupcakes, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop has truly nailed it. Their James Brown cupcake is a must-try, especially if you’re a chocolate lover.
This cupcake features a Valrhona chocolate base that strikes the perfect balance between fluffiness and thickness. The chocolate buttercream frosting is rich and creamy, complementing the cupcake’s flavors to perfection.
The festive sprinkles on top add a touch of fun to this already delightful treat. One bite of the James Brown cupcake, and you’ll understand why Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop is one of the best dessert spots in Austin.
Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in this heavenly creation.
Note: Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop also offers a peanut butter cupcake for those who prefer a nutty flavor.
5. Launderette
If you’re a fan of birthday cake, sprinkle cake, or funfetti, then you have to try the birthday cake ice cream sandwich from Launderette.
Created by Pastry Chef Laura Sawicki, this simple yet elegant dessert is a perfect homage to childhood.
The sandwich is made up of layers of homemade partially baked cookie and ice cream, making it a true delight for your taste buds.
Trust us, this dessert will leave you drooling and wanting more. Don’t miss out on this delicious treat when you’re in Austin.
4. Jacoby’s
If you’re a fan of cakes, you must try Jacoby’s Grandma Hagler’s Strawberry Cake, one of the best desserts in Austin.
The cake has a fantastic strawberry flavor that is complemented perfectly by the frosting.
The cake is a must-try for anyone who loves strawberries. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste this amazing cake.
While you’re there, you can also grab one of Jacoby’s amazing burgers.
3. Henbit
If you’re a cookie lover, you can’t miss the Monster Cookie from Henbit at Fareground in downtown Austin.
This enormous cookie is a Texas twist on the famous giant cookies from Levain Bakery in NYC.
Made with white sonora wheat, pecans, chocolate chips, and a hint of lemon zest, this cookie is sure to impress.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in on your own. Don’t hesitate to try it out and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!
2. Round Rock Donuts
You can’t miss the opportunity to try the glazed donut from Round Rock Donuts. This donut is so good that it will leave you speechless.
The perfect balance of sweetness and softness will make your taste buds dance with joy.
It’s definitely worth the 15-minute drive from downtown to experience this donut masterpiece.
1. Lick Honest Ice Creams
When it comes to ice cream in Austin, Lick Honest Ice Creams is the place to be. This ice cream shop prides itself on using simple and honest ingredients to create their delicious flavors.
One of their most popular flavors is the Texas Sheet Cake, which is a chocolatey delight with a hint of cinnamon.
This flavor is a must-try for anyone visiting Lick. In addition to the Texas Sheet Cake, the Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil & Sea Salt flavor is also highly recommended.
Lick Honest Ice Creams is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a sweet treat in Austin.